CONTROL OF RAGWORT.

Matamata Record, Volume XVI, Issue 1443, 20 July 1933, Page 7

CONTROL OF RAGWORT.

IN PIAKO COUNTY.

Inspector to be Appointed.

After discussing measures for controlling the ragwort menace the Piako County Council decided at Monday’s meeting to call applications for the position of noxious weeds inspector, the successful applicant to carry out other duties, and •find his own horse,

Replies were read from the Hadraki Plains and Tauranga County Councils which employed their own inspectors of noxious weeds last season with considerable success. The inspectors were approved by the Department of Agriculture, and had all the powers of the Government inspectors. The Tauranga inspector was able to prosecute persons after giving notice and without referring the matter to Wellington. Cr. J. M. Stewart (Tahuna) said two courses would need to be followed: the man on poor country had to be assisted, while the man on good country who would not clear his land had to be made to do the work.

Cr. W. H. Emett (Manawaru) urged prompt action, saying ragwort was coming away vigorously all over the county. Many' farmers were already using sodium chlorate.

In a discussion on the inspector’s means of transport, councillors agreed that it was a job for a man with a horse, as it would be necessary for the inspector to ride all over the properties, and not merely stop at the gate. t